New publication on Painting Conservation available: Filling losses in paint

We would like to inform you about the fifth publication that has recently been published about conservation practices: Filling losses in paint. This publication is part of a series of six brochures created for professional conservators of easel paintings, wishing to keep up with current knowledge, and learning how to apply new techniques in their field. 

Knowledge exchange 

These brochures were compiled to serve as a reference, bringing together current practices and new knowledge regarding materials and methods for practical use. The content provided can be used by professional conservators, who are aware of the ethical and contextual aspects and complexity of conservation decision-making. 

Conservation knowledge and practice are developing at an increasingly fast pace. In many countries, this knowledge is often concentrated within a relatively small group of conservators and other professionals in larger institutions with the resources to take major steps in the development and application of new methods for preservation and treatment of paintings. New publications on focus topics are often issued through journals or editions that are costly and not easily available to the conservation field. Thus, accessing such knowledge and integrating this into practice can be challenging. These brochures are designed to help bridge this gap. They are also a tool for mid-career professional conservators seeking to refresh and update their knowledge. The content is intended as a snapshot of up-to-date developments in these six focus areas and should not replace academic training in the field of painting conservation. 

Mutual exchange on shared challenges 

The need for this reference material became apparent during a series of masterclasses and conferences, organized in the period 2012-2020 by the Foundation for Cultural Inventory (SCI) in India, Russia and Cuba. These gatherings, focusing on mutual exchange and deepening knowledge in relation to the local contexts, were organized in association with SRAL - The Conservation Institute, the Cultural Heritage Agency of the Netherlands (RCE), and Dutch embassies in the partner countries of the International Heritage Cooperation programme. This programme emphasises the comparable societal challenges countries face and the value of the exchange of learning and knowledge to address contemporary issues in conservation. These brochures show how much can be achieved through mutual exchange and understanding. 

We are providing this reference material in the hope and anticipation that it will assist conservators of easel paintings in their work in all geographical areas, so that future generations can continue to enjoy their international heritage for a long time to come. 

The brochures in this series on conservation practice are: 

1. Dirt and Dirt Removal (download the pdf) 
2. Varnish Removal (download the pdf) 
3. Consolidation of Paint and Ground (download the pdf) 
4. Filling Losses in Paint (download the pdf) 
5. Structural Conservation of Canvas and Panels (expected) 
6. Varnishing and Inpainting (download the pdf) 

The brochures have been written under the auspices and financial support of the International Heritage Cooperation programme of the RCE.